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Immigration and the Credible Fear Test

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Author and Natural Philosopher

Fri 5 Dec 2025
Published 7 years ago.
Updated 1 month ago.
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Immigration and the Credible Fear Test

Let’s take a close look at the Credible Fear Test issue within the immigration Issue…

When someone presents themselves at the border, either legally at a port, or illegally in between, border security applies a “Credible Fear Test”. If they pass, they get into the U.S. so they can go through the process of applying for asylum. When a caravan of people arrives at the border, the percent that apply for the Credible Fear Test ranges depending on the makeup of the caravan. Usually, somewhere between 25% to 75% apply. The others have to go to the back of the regular non-asylum immigration line. For example, those looking to join family in America, are looking for work, or a better life.

Of those that apply for the Credible Fear Test, currently about 75% claiming a fear pass the test and are allowed into the U.S. to apply for asylum in court–the next of several steps. Of those that make it to court, less than half are granted asylum. The rest have to go to the back of the non-asylum immigration line.

Sometimes, administrations think too many immigrants are granted asylum and want to make it more difficult to pass the Credible Fear Test. For example, by not allowing domestic violence, nor gang violence with the idea that the origin country should be able to handle the problem. I assume Trump and supporters support those fleeing systemic cartel-level gang violence, and government persecution applying for asylum, but that is another area that can be addressed. After one passes the Credible Fear Test, they still have to proceed to a court hearing. My assumption is that it would be easier for a person to get asylum for fear of a government, then from a cartel, but both are currently valid. Although open to discussion, cartel-level gang violence can be discussed further. Specifically, cartel-level gang violence can be fixed by the origin government. Currently, American policy allows all three. Meaning, one can apply for asylum using the Credible Fear Test for gang violence, cartel-level gang violence, or fear of the government.

The rest of the details can be left alone, or tweaked. Domestic violence victims are an off and on hot-topic. My preference is to allow domestic violence victims to apply for asylum, but that is not an act of the Government, nor generally an overwhelming threat like warlords, and cartels. So, if we as a society want to eliminate that, I think most would still support a bill. I think the same is true for smaller local gangs. The main point is that the President of the United States should follow the current law, or work to change it.

Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher

Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.

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